Wednesday 20 December 2017

Winter fun list

Dear friends and readers,

Today's post has two parts:
  1) An update on my list of 5 simple pleasures for the holidays.
  2) My Winter fun list for the period of December 21, 2017 to March 20, 2018.

Two birds one stone means the post is a little bit longer than usual so grab your coffee or tea before you read on.

PART 1 - Update on my five simple pleasures for the holidays

1. Make donations to help those in need: Yes, we donated cash to a local community centre, and the Out of the Cold program which serves hot meals to those in need. We also donated non-perishable food items to a local food drive.

2. View the various light displays in the city centre: Yes, some of my favourites are the 100-feet tall and sparkly red Christmas tree, the life-sized silvery reindeer at Eaton Centre, and the festive lights at Nathan Phillips Square.

Christmas tree in Eaton Centre
Christmas reindeer in Eaton Centre
Nathan Phillips Square

3. Listen to choirs singing joyous seasonal music: Sure did. We were at St Andrew's church for the dramatic readings of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and choir singing.


4. Taste freshly baked goods with chocolate or ginger or cinnamon flavour: My husband baked a batch of delicious and cute-as-a-button cookies with cinnamon flavour. We've been eating them this week. I think we he'll bake again next week :)

5. Enjoy a big family gathering and dinner on Boxing Day (December 26): Coming soon. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone, and enjoying dinner with my extended family.

PART 2 - My Winter Fun List


My winter fun list is shorter than the previous three seasonal lists (spring, summer, and fall) because I'd like to spend some time working towards my goal of living light by reducing my material possessions. I made some progress on this goal in 2017 and will continue until I'm satisfied.

For each item on my winter fun list, I have a time frame or a numeric count for me to track my rate of completion. I plan to report my progress on the 21st day of each month.

1. Exercise one hour daily: From December 21 to March 20, my target count of exercise sessions is 11 in December, 31 in January, 28 in February, and 20 in March. I'll vary my exercises with yoga, walking, swimming, strength training in the gym, stretching, and running short distances.

2. Continue learning Spanish 15 minutes daily: I've been doing online Spanish lessons throughout 2017. From December 21 to March 20, my target count of online sessions is 11 in December, 31 in January, 28 in February, and 20 in March. Knowing basic Spanish was useful when I visited Costa Rica and Spain. It will be useful again for my upcoming trip (see below).

3. Enjoy three fun family outings: We have one big family gathering confirmed for December 26, one long weekend family trip booked in January, and another long weekend family trip booked in February.

4. Go on five coffee or lunch dates with my friends: I'll wait until after New Year's to book the dates and will aim to go to some or all of my five favourite coffee shops.

5. Attend seven cultural events: I'm excited to have a series of art and entertainment events lined up throughout the winter so I can get out there and experience new sights and sounds.

6. Start a new blog link-up: I've proposed a new monthly Wellness Wednesday link-up with fellow bloggers in the New Year. The first link up is on Wednesday January 10, with Wellness goals as the topic. Easy, right? I hope you'll join in on the fun. The more the merrier, so we can share, inspire, and support each other.

7. Plan an independent trip to Chile: This includes activities such as reading travel guides, designing my itinerary, booking the essentials, etc. Having had wonderful experiences in Argentina and Peru, I look forward to exploring another country in South America.

8. Explore Chile in March: A new adventure awaits! If you've been to Chile, I'd love to hear your comments.

I look forward to enjoying the holidays with my family and friends, and completing my winter fun list with much enthusiasm. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!


26 comments:

  1. That Christmas tree is incredible!
    #teamlovinlife

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    1. I've seen many Christmas trees but I think that tree is the winner.

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  2. Wow those Christmas displays are beautiful! I love the reindeer! Also love how you set yourself such fabulous goals to achieve each season. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a fabulous 2018! xo #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Thank you, Min. The Christmas displays are really beautiful here this year. Wishing you all the best in 2018!

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  3. I do love Christmas lights. There is just something enchanting about them. It sounds like you have some grand plans for 2018. Merry Christmas #TeamLovinLife

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    1. It's our winter here and it gets dark earlier so the lights look extra nice and welcoming. Thanks, Kathy, for stopping by. Merry Christmas!

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  4. Looking forward to joining in with your Wellness Wednesday linky. Merry Christmas to you and yours. #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Jo! I look forward to starting the new link up.

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  5. Oh, I love the simple pleasures list. My mum does a lot of volunteer work and I need to do more to help others next year. I've had a few transitions over the last few years but really have no excuses. I could most certainly spare some time each week for others.

    And I'm envious of your winter. Not to mention your exercise goals! And your commitment to spanish lessons and travel goals - though I have my own travel goals for the first time ever in 2018! #teamlovinlife

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    1. I like simple pleasures which let me enjoy the holidays more. Thanks, Deborah, for stopping by. I look forward to following your travels in the new year.

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  6. Isn't it just the best time of year, Natalie? You just can't help but be moved by choirs and the Christmas lights. I love your winter list and see you are still keeping up the exercise and Spanish lessons - well done you! It is so hot in Australia now that my Summer list will definitely include the beach. Thanks for connecting this year and I look forward to more chats in 2018 xx
    Sue form Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond

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    1. I really enjoy connecting with you and other bloggers this year, Sue. Have a fabulous coastal holiday and a happy, healthy New Year!

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  7. I love that you've made your goals measurable, and I'm impressed by the daily exercise goal. I know by mixing up the options, you can do it. The other goals sound lovely too, especially the trip to Chile. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. Happy winter!

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    1. Thank you, Christie, for your comment. It's kind of fun to play with specific numbers for my goals. Enjoy the holiday season!

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  8. I agree with Sue, this time of year is so wonderful, and you are embracing it to the fullest! Love your travel goal of doing Chile on your own, and I look forward to following along!

    I'm also looking forward to the Wednesday Wellness link up, so thank you for hosting!

    Merry Christmas you and your family, Natalie!

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    1. So great, Tamara, that you'll join in on the Wellness link-up. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  9. I am so grateful in that in a sad separation from one group of bloggers I had collaborated with, I found you and Tamara and Juhli and the other gals. How you all have enriched my life!
    And your lists. Bravo for ticking off so much of your Christmas list. Had planned to share my update today but really need to wait until the weekend...I am behind! Your images are, as always, really lovely. Oh, those lights!!!
    Looking forward to our Wellness Wednesday venture. You are such an inspiration with your rigorous exercise regimen. Hope you will rub off on me.
    Happy holidays, dear one! Looking forward to spending some of 2018 right here with you.

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    1. I'm glad you found us, Leslie. Thank you for sending us the SaD link-up codes every month with your friendly messages. Soon we'll embark on the new Wellness link-up. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  10. I love the simple list. And I am excited to learn more of your upcoming trip to Chile. I will totally hop in on the Wellness Wednesday posts. What a great idea.

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    1. So great that you'll join in on the Wellness link up, Dani. Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  11. Your energy, organization and love of travel and wellness are very impressive. Thank you for sharing this.

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    1. Thank you, Donna, for stopping by and for your kind comment.

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  12. Great job on your Christmas goals. Most of my winter bucket list is related to the holiday season, but I'll still be doing some of them AFTER Christmas so I think it works. LOL I think checking out cultural events is a great one!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Thanks, Lauren, for stopping by and commenting. It's fun to do some of your bucket list items for the holidays and some after Christmas. Happy holidays!

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  13. Great list, Natalie. I can see how quantifying your goals will help you track them. What about your goal of reducing your material possessions? Is that something you can quantify? How are you doing it?
    As soon as I've got a bit more time - probably later today - I'll take a look at your blogging friends' winter bucket lists. I appreciate you putting them all in one spot here.

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    1. Good questions, Karen. I've been reducing my clothing possessions mostly by donating what's still good. I've also stopped buying new clothing unless it's replacement of essential items. I have a small number of clothing items that I'd like to keep so I continue to reduce my inventory until I'm left with my desired minimal. Wishing you a cozy, relaxing, and warm Christmas!

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